The district of Banbridge is an attractive family area with low crime rates, low levels of deprivation, and high employment rates. According to council research, many who live in the area are skilled and educated parents with young children, and the population of the area is growing faster than other parts of Northern Ireland. The area is located along the A1/M1 corridor, but it does not have a bus station. Still, the area is popular with Belfast commuters, because housing is more affordable and also because Banbridge is lovely, rural, and rustic, with farming forming a large part of the local economy even today. Banbridge town enjoys a reputation of being a friendly and progressive town.